A fresh femicide case in Changamwe has once again thrown the spotlight on rising gender-based violence (GBV) in Mombasa County, with rights groups warning of systemic failures in protecting victims.

The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has condemned the brutal killing of 35-year-old Susan Achieng Mitoh, who succumbed to injuries on April 14, 2026, following a violent attack allegedly carried out by her partner.

According to FIDA-Kenya, Mitoh was attacked on April 4 at her former home in Changamwe after being lured under the pretext of reconciliation. The suspect, identified as Ainea Namiba, is accused of carrying out a premeditated assault that left the victim with severe internal injuries.

Despite undergoing an eight-hour emergency surgery at Port Reitz Hospital and receiving multiple blood transfusions, Mitoh later died from her injuries.

FIDA-Kenya revealed that the deceased had a history of enduring both emotional and physical abuse. In March 2026, she reported an incident in which the suspect allegedly burned her personal belongings.

However, police reportedly dismissed the case and advised the couple to reconcile due to their long-term relationship and shared child.

"This tragic case clearly shows a preventable femicide,” FIDA-Kenya said in a statement. “The warning signs were obvious, but the system did not act when it mattered most.”

The organization noted that Mitoh had separated from her partner due to safety concerns and had temporarily moved in with her mother prior to the attack.

The suspect was arrested on April 10 after going into hiding and was later arraigned at the Mombasa Resident Magistrate’s Court on April 13, where he pleaded not guilty.

The court denied him bail, citing concerns over witness interference and flight risk, and ordered his detention for 17 days pending investigations.

FIDA-Kenya has indicated that murder charges will be filed at the High Court following completion of investigations and a postmortem examination.

The case adds to a growing list of GBV incidents in the county. FIDA-Kenya reports that at least 15 serious GBV cases have been recorded in Mombasa within the first three months of 2026 alone, raising alarm over an escalating crisis.

Stakeholders are now calling for urgent reforms, including stricter police response protocols, mandatory risk assessments, and stronger survivor protection mechanisms.

“There is a need for coordinated, survivor-centered action,” the organization emphasized, urging both authorities and the public to take a more proactive role in preventing GBV and supporting victims.

The incident has sparked renewed calls for accountability within law enforcement agencies, particularly over how early warning signs of